Light-controlled actuating device



Jan. 16, 1940. E. BRENNER LIGHT-coNTRoLLED ACTUATING DEVICE Filed Jan. 19, i937 5 sheets-sheet 1 Jan. 16, 1940.

BRENNER LIGHT -CONTROLLED ACTUATKING DEVI CE Filed Jan. 19, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet. 2

T INU Jan. 16, 1940. E. BRENNER LLGHT-CON'IROLLED` ACTUATING DEVICE Filed Jan. 19, 1937 5 SheetsShnet 3 Jan. 16, 1940. E, BRENNER 2,187,012

LIGHT-CONTROLLED ACTUATING DEVICE Filed Jan. 19, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Je 16, 1940. E. BRENNER 2,187,012

LIGHT-CONTROLLED RCTUATING DEVICE Filed Jan. 19,. 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 www llo-VOLT A.c. fw TQL o Patented Jan. 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in devices for actuating movable members such as drawers, gates and the like and relates also to clutch means fory controlling the actuation of such movable members.

One application of the invention is to the opening of one or more closures or containers such as the drawers or doors of a cabinet employed for holding instruments such as may be in use,

l0 for example, in a dentists oiiice.

Another purpose is the provision of an improved clutch and actuating means for opening and closing such closures.

Another purpose is the provision of an improved clutch.

Other purposes will appear from time to time in the course of the specification and claims.

The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a cabinet including a plurality of drawers;

Figure 2 is a section on an enlarged scale on the line 2-2 of Figure l; Figure 3 is a section on an enlarged scale taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 1; y

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig- 3u ure 4;

Figure 6 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 4;

Figure 'l is a section on the line I-l of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a partialrear elevation of the structure shown in Figure 1, illustrated on an enlarged scale;

Figure 9 is a section on the line 8-9 of Figure 6, with parts in a different position;

4.0 Figure 10 is a partial front elevationvof the clutch illustrating the parts in locking position; and

Figures 11 and 12 together illustrate the wiring diagram for the entire structure.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols throughout the specication and drawings.

. Referring to the drawings, I generally indicates any suitable cabinet structure having ends 2, a top 3, a base portion l, an intermediate member 5, and a plurality of drawers 6, each one ofthem being given a separate number in Roman numerals. It will be understood, of course, that-the illustration is broadly diagrammatic or illustrative and that the cabinet indicated, with its drawers,

is merely an example of one mechanism to which (Cl. Z50-41.5)

the invention may be applied, the invention itself being applicable to a multitude of different uses. such as the control of a single drawer, or one or more doors, or any movable member which needs to be rotated or reciprocated from one position 5 to another.

In the normal operation of the device, a photoelectric cell or any suitable light sensitive member generally indicated as 'I is employed, which may be 'positioned in a housing 8 located for convenience at the top of the cabinet I. It is provided with a front aperture 9 of suflicient size for the hand or nger to be inserted therein. A baiile or guard I0 is employed to serve as a shield to limit the angle from which rays of light may be received by the photoelectric cell. Masked by the shield is shown a pair of light sources I I, I2 which cannot affect the photo cell. If the user puts his hand in the aperture 9, his hand serves as a refleeting surface whereby light from the sources 20 I I or I2 or both reaches the cell 1 and energizes it and sets into operation mechanisms which will later be described in detail. In the particular instance, the invention is applied to the selective opening of any one of the drawers shown with- 25 out the necessity of the operator himself touching the drawer or pulling it out manually, thereby preventing the spread of infection and promoting sanitation.

In order to move the drawers out in response 30 to energization of the cell 1, individual driving mechanisms are provided for each one of the. drawers whereby a single source of power herein shown as the motor I4 may be employed for moving any drawer out into open position and $5 for thereafter returning it to closed position at the will of the operator. The motor I4 is herein shown as associated with a gear reduction I5 the details of which do not form part of the present invention. It will be understood that a shaft I6 4u extends from the gear reduction and is provided with a beveled pin Il in mesh with a pinion I8 on a vertical shaft I9. 20 generally indicates a coupling whereby the shaft 2l is rotated. On the shaft 2l is a beveled gear or pinion 22l in mesh 45 with a pinion 23 on a horizontal shaft 24 which may extend to a shaft similar to 2| inthe other half of the cabinet I whereby the two batteries of drawers may be handled by the single motor I4. As a. mere duplication of elements is involved, I0 the second battery is not illustrated in detail.

vAny suitable means may be employed for sup-- porting the drawers. A frame work, including upright elements 25 which are shown irrFlgure 4 as channels and transverse connecting elements ll 26 which may be angles, is illustrated. Mounted on these transverse elements are xed clutch housings generally indicated at 21 and generally cylindrical in form. 'Ihey are apertured as at 28 to permit the actuating element proper to extend outwardly therethrough. This actuating element may be in the form of twin steel tapes29 and 30, these tapes being both concave or convex in cross section and being arranged back to back as shown in Figure 5. Only one of said tapes, 29, is connected as by the rivet 3| to an abutment 32 which is secured to or forms part of any suitable member or bracket 33 which may be secured to one of the drawers 6. The tapes 29 and 38 are wound around a rotating drum 34 and may be riveted to said drum as at 35 with their inner ends extending therethrough, through a slot as at 36. The drum 34 includes a top disc 31 and a sleeve or bearing 38 surrounding the shaft 2|. The sleeve 38 is received within an outer sleeve 39 which forms part of and is fixed in relation to the clutch housing 21. It also serves as a spacer for spacing the drum from the bottom of the clutch housing 21.

Note that the inner drum 34 has a bottom flange 40 which serves 'to keep the tapes 29 and 30 in proper position. It also has an overlying upper iiange 4| which prevents the tapes from crawling up out of the aperture in which they 'normally lie. 42 illustrates a ring upstanding from the top of the drum 21 and normally held against movement in relation to it. It is preferably adjustable as by the slots 43 and the adjusting and securing screws 44. It is provided with a slot 45 into which may be dropped the locking or clutching element generally indicated as 46 which is pivoted as at 41 to a slotted arm '48 extending outwardly from a hub or block 49 which is pinned upon and held against movement in relation to the shaft 2 I. In other words, when the member 46 is in the full line position of Figure 6, the drum 34 is constrained to rotate in unison with the shaft 2|. But when the member 46 is lifted into the dotted line position of Figure 6, the driving connection is broken and the device is unclutched.

'I'he unclutching mechanism is shown for example in Figures 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10. It includes for example the longitudinally slidable member 59 which has an inclined camming surface 5| and a top surface 52 slightly above the top of the ring 42. When the end of the member 46 engages the inclined surface 5I, it is lifted thereby from. the full line position of Figure 10 to the dotted line position and rides along the top surface 52, being thereby held in unlocked or unclutching position. The member 50 is guided in its longitudinal movement by a slot 53 through which passes any suitable penetrating screw or screws 54 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The spring 55 tends normally to move the member 50 into inoperative position. It will be observed that the member 50 and the spring 55 are mounted on a bracket 56 inwardly extending from the clutch housing 21. Movement is imparted to the member 50 through a connection 51 which may be associated with an armature 58 and any suitable electromagnetic coil 59. The armature is normally kept in unlocking position as by the spring 68 shown for example in Figure 4. It will be understood that the various electromagnets may be mounted in any suitable fashion upon the transverse members 26 as shown for `:example in Figure 8 and one is employed for each t5 drawer in each battery.

r`would tend to buckle out.

As above pointed out, only one of the metal tapes is secured to the drawer whereas both are secured to the drum 34. The purpose of this is to employ the outer one, 30, as a protector against braking. action of the inner tape 29 against the inner face of the xed clutch housing 21. However, in order to prevent binding I `find it advantageous to secure only the tape 29 to the drawer by leaving the tape. 30 free to creep within the connection 32. Otherwise, it l Only the inner tape does the work of moving the drawer.

Mounted within the member 8 and alined along the aperture 9 are a plurality of small incandescent lights 6 I, there being one for each drawer 6, each one being positioned within any suitable small housing 62 with an open top. 63 indicates an additional small incandescent light, the pu"- pose of which will later appear. It will be observed that the light from the lights 6| and 63 is so positioned with relation to the shield I0 as to fall upon the photelectric cell 1 without interference. All are preferably mounted at a substantially equal distance from the cell 1. It will be understood that the interior of the housing may be painted or colored a dull black to prevent reilection from the light sources II unless and until some reflective surface such as the hand or finger of the operator is inserted into the aperture 9.

Assume that the user wishes to open one of the drawers. He inserts his hand or nger into the aperture 9 and places it over but out of contact with the light source which corresponds to the drawer the operator wishes to open. Assuming that it is the drawer VI, the operator then puts his hand or finger over the electric light indicated in Figure l by Roman numeral VI. The first result is to cause light from the sources or I2 or both to fall upon the photoelectricl cell 1 and to excite it. Referring to the wiring diagram of Figure .11', the amplier generally indicated as A energizes the normally de-energized coil of photo relay 65 which permits the normally closed switch 66 to move into the open or dotted line position of Figure l1. The result of the opening of this switch is to de-energize the formerly energized relay 61 which thereupon permits the spring 68 to move the bell crank lever 69 to the left, referring to the parts as shown in Figure l1. This bell crank lever includes a portion 10 which serves as an armature for the coil 61. It is also provided with a dog 1| pivoted to the arm 69 and adapted for engagement with the ratchet 12 mounted upon a shaft 13. Every time the coil 61 is de-energized the spring 68 thereby moves the ratchetI 12 one step over the retaining dog 14. This results in moving the movable switch member 15 from its initial contact 16 to the next following contact 11a or from 11a to 11b, etc. It will be understood that the coil 65 is normally de-energized and the coil 61 is normally energized by being kept in circuit with the transformer generally indicated as T, the details of which do noil of themselves form part of the present inventioin It will be understood that. line current from any suitable source flows through the primary coil 19 of the transformer T through a circuit including the lines 86 and 8|. The circuit between the transformer and the two coils will be later described.

It will be understood that the shaft 13 forms part of a multiple switch structure which need not be shown in detail in the present application since it does not of itself form part thereof.

The shaft 13 does, however, control simultaneously ilve separate moving switches of which the first is 15, shown at the left of Figure 11. The second is illustrated at 82, which may be "opposed to a plurality of contacts 83, 83a, etc..

which are in circuit with the various lamps 8| and the lamp 63. It will beobserved that the contact 83 is a dead or unconnected contact. 83a is a contact for the lamp 63 and 83h and following are contacts for the various lamps 8|, which, in Figure 11, are indicated by Roman numerals corresponding to the number of the drawers 6 of Figure 1. Thus the result of the initial rotation of the shaft 13 resulting from the breaking of the switch 88 in response to the insertion of the Ahand or iinger of the operator is to illuminate the lamp 63. 'Ihis lamp directly energizes the photo cell 1 and maintains the operation of the circuits below described even though the hand of the operator has been withdrawn. y

The third switch is shown at 84 at the left of Figure l2. It may be opposedto` a plurality of contacts 85, 85a, 85h, etc. When the switch 84 is moved from its initialposition at 85 to 85a, it breaks the circuit for the lamps I and I2 which are in circuit with the contact 85. 85a is a dead or unconnected contact. At the second step from 85a to 85h, and at each ensuing step, as long as the movable switch member 88 engages an'y such contact, current passes through a resistor 88, connected by lines with their respective contacts 85h and following, and heats a bimetallic element 81. The current is used up by the resistor and is insuillcient to actuate the electromagnetic coil 81a, except when the switch member 84 is left for a sufllcient length of time upon any one of the contacts 85h and following to cause the bimetallic strip to be heated suillciently so as to flex into contact with its associated lead to shunt out the resistor, then the electromagnetic coil 81a is energized and draws the double switch member 88, 88 to the right, with regard to the position of the parts in Figure 12. The closure ofthe multiple switch closes the circuit for the motor I4 and this in turn causes rotation of the shaft |8 and through the coupling 28 of the shaft 2| and of the associated shaft corresponding to 2| which operates the other battery of drawers.

I'he fourth switch on the shaft 13 is shown in Figure 12 as at 88. Of its opposed contacts, 8l and 8Ia are dead contacts and 88h and following are contacts for controlling the electromagnets 88 designated by Roman numerals corresponding to the Roman numerals of the drawers of Figure l. The electromagnets 88 have already been described as operating the members 58 which control the clutches for the drawers. The switch 88 controls the circuits through the electromagnets 88.

The fifth switch |88 on the shaft 13, illustrated in Figure l2, is in engagement with contacts |8I, twelve of which are electrically connected with each other, the remaining contact |82 is a dead or an unconnected contact.k vIn the initial or starting position the several switches above referred to on the shaft 13 assume the positions illustrated in the electrical diagram of Figures 11 and 12.

Incorporated in the electrical circuits below described are a plurality of mercury switches. The mercury switch |I8, illustrated in Figures 8 and 12, serves as a limit and reversing'switch for the motor H. The mercury switch I |8 is provided with contacts |I| and ||2 and is controlled by an upwardly extending arm ||3, which is adapted to be'engaged by a cam ||I mounted on a rotary disc ||8 which rotates with the shaft 2|. The disc further carries a second cam II8 for controlling the mercury switches I|1 and ||8, the use of which will appear later. The control arm ||8 of said mercury switches is pivoted as at |28, and provided with a counterweight |2| `and a limit abutment |22, which, when in the position illustrated in Figure 8, prevents further independent clockwise rotation of the actuating arm |I8.

The mercury switches ||8, ||1, and |I8 are illustrated in Figure 8 in the starting or initial positions. When the motor Il is initially actuated the disc IIS rotates in the direction of the arrow of Figure 4. The cam IIB first engages the control arm I|8 and rotates it counterclockwise, referring to Figure 8, until it has passed over it, after which the counterweight |2| returns the arm back to the position in said figure. However, during this actuation, the mercury switches II1, and ||8 remain in the tilted position shown in Figures 8 and l2. As the disc continues its rotation the cam ||4 engages the control arm I I3, and rotates the mercury switch I8 from the position X to the position Y, shown in Figure 8. The position X is illustrated-in Figure 12. The result of this movement is, iirst to stop the motor I4, and then to reverse the circuit for the motor I4 to prepare it for retrograde rotation. This retrograde rotation, however, does not take place until the user closes the switch |88 which may be` operated by the hand or foot or in any other suitable way. It may be convenient to employ a foot pedal or foot control under some circumstances, as in connection with a dental cabinet, so that the operator does not have to touch any part of the dental cabinet lexcept the tools or instruments which he is actually using and which presumably have already been sterilized. In the operation of the device illustrated in the drawings the shaft 2| rotates through an arc of approximately 280. However, this may be varied to suit conditions. On the return movement, the cam I Il moves out of the path of the control armk ||3 and the mercury switch I8 returns to its initial position. As the shaft 2| continues its return movement, the cam ||8 contacts the control arm ||8 and tilts the mercury switches IIS, ||8 clockwise, to break theelectrical connections of the contacts -|25 and |28, which results in breaking the electrical connection of the electromagnet 81a, and in addition completes electrical circuits to actuate the electromagnet 81 for rotating the shaft 13 and associated switch arms to starting positions. The switches 88.and 88 are thereby returned to the position illustrated in Figure 12, which breaks the motor circuit. When-the shaft 2| comes to rest, the limit cam ||8 has cleared the control arm ill, and the mercury switches ||1, ||8 and control arm ||8 tilt backv to their starting position.

The electrical circuits will now be described.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12 the main power lines |21, |28, which may be connected, for example, to a` 110 volt alternating current power 65 and the electromagnet 61, which actuates the shaft 13. In the starting position the electromagnet 61 is energized by means of the line |30 leading to the switch 66, from which a line |3| continues to the switch arm 15, thence through the contact 16 and lines |32 and |33 to the electromagnet 61; the line |34 completes the circuit. Associated with and controlled by the arm 69 is a switch |35. When the electromagnet 61 is energized the control arm 69 is in full line position of Figure 11, and the switch |35`is open.

Assuming that the operator selects the drawer indicated by Roman numeral VI to be opened, he inserts his hand or fingerinto the opening 9 in the housing 8 and masks the light 6| designated by VI in Figures 1 and 11. The photoelectric cell 1 is energized by the reflection from the hand of light from the sources and |2 previously described. This results in energization of the photo relay 65 which opens the switch 66 and breaks the circuit through the electro-,- magnet 61. By means of the spring 68, the arm 69 and dog 1| is rotated to the dotted line position and moves the ratchet wheel 12 and shaft 13 one step. The switch arm 15 thus is moved on the contact 11a, likewise the switch arms 82, 84, 90 and |00 are moved simultaneously into engagement with their respective contacts, differentiated byI an exponent a. The switch arm Y the line |30 through the now closed switch 66,

line |33, switch 15, contact 11a, line |36 leading to the mercury switch ||1, thence through the closed contacts |26, line |31 and line |33 to the electromagnet 61. The line |34 completes the circuit, resulting in returning the arm 69 to full line position. The switch|35 is shunted across the lines |33 and |3| by the lines |38 and |39, and had bee'n closed momentarily when the arm assumed the dotted line position of Figure 11, also completing an electrical connection through the electromagnet 61. However, its main function will later be described. The switch member 82, in contact with the terminal 83a, closes a circuit through the light 63 which may be traced from the main power line |21 through the switch 89, the line |40, interposed in which is a resistor 14|, the switch 82, contact 83a, and line |42a leading to the light 63, and thence through the line |43 and line |44, which is connected to the other power line |28. The light 63 in turn energizes the photoelectric cell 1 again causing energization of the photoelectric relay 65, which opens the switch 86. This results in moving the shaft and associating switchesm another step. The switches, carried by the shaft 13, are now in engagement with their respective contacts designated by exponent b. The contacts 11a, 11b and following are electrically connected with each other with the exception of the contact or contacts- |45, which are dead. The function of the various parts are identical at the second step of rotation of the shaft 13 as previously described with the exception that the circuit through the light 63 is broken and electrical connection is established through the light 6| designated by I. The line |42b connects the contact 83h with the light 6| above referred to, thence a line continuance to the line |44. All the remaining lights 6| are similarly connected to their respective contacts associated with the switch 82. That is to say, each contact controls one of the lights 6|. In addition, an electrical circuit may be traced from the main power line |21 through the line |46 through the switch |00, one of the contacts |I, the lines |41, |48, the switch 84, contact 85h which is electrically connected with one of the resistors 86, thence through the line |49 leading to the electromagnet 81a, which at its opposite terminal is connected to a resistor |50 which in turn is in electrical circuit with the other power line |28. As previously described, the time interval during consecutive step by step rotation of the shaft 13, moving the switch 84 from contact to contact, is insuiicient to actuate the electromagnetic coil 81a until the shaft 13, and the multiple switch members 15, 84, 90 and |00 have assumed a position indicated by a dotted arrow. The various switch members are now in contact with their respective contacts designated by exponent g, which is the selected position for opening the drawer designated by Roman numeral VI in Figure 1. First, further ener-gization of the photoelectric cell 1 is preswitch members 88, 89, into engagement with the contacts |5| and |52 respectively. The switch member 89 thus breaks the connection with the line and the light 6| designated by VI or any other previously selected light 6| is thus rendered inoperative. The switch 89 now completes a circuit from the line |21 through the contact |5|, lines |53, |54, to the switch arm 90 thence through the contact 9|g line |559' leading to the electromagnet 59, differentiated in addition iny Figure 12 by VI, thence through the line |66 which is connected to line |19 at the mercury switch 8. The armature 58 of the now energized electromagnet moves the member to the clutch engaging position illustrated in Figure 10.

A holding circuit vfor the electromagnetic coil 81 is made by the switch 88 in contact with the terminal |52 by means of the` line |61 which is joined at intersecting point |68 to the line |41.

The switch |00, when in contact with either of f stance drawer indicated by VI. The circuit through the motor may be traced through the main power line |21 through the switch 89, contact |5|, line |53,the lines |69, |10 leading to theV now closed contacts III of the mercury switch I0, thence through the line |1| leading to the switch |12 in engagement with the contact |13 on the line |14 extending to the motor. An

associated switch |15 on'the line |14a, in contact with the terminal |16, on a line |11 leading to the motor, in cooperation with the switch |12 serves as a reversing means to reverse rotation of the motor shaft I6 and consequently the clutch drive shaft 2l.

The switch members |12 andv |15 are actuated by an electromagnet |18later to be discussed. 'I'he circuit through the motor is completed by the line |18 leading to the closed contacts |25 of the mercury switch ||8 from which a line |80 continues to the other power line |28. The motor |4 continues to operate and rotates the shaft 2| until the cam ||4, referring to Figure 8 tilts the mercury switch ||0 from the position X to the position Y. This causes the contacts to open and the contacts ||2 to be closed in the well known manner. This results in closure of an electrical circuit from the main power line 21 through the switch 89, contact |6|, lines |53, |69, |10, and line |8|, leading to one of the contacts ||2 of the mercury limit switch I0, and continues through the line |82 to the electromagnet |18, thence through the line |83, interposed in which is a resistor |84, the line |18, the closed contacts 25 of the mercury switch ||8 and the line |80 to the other power line |28. K

The electromagnet |18, thus energized, moves the switch members |12, |15 into engagement with the contacts |85, |86. This results in openr ing the motor circuit and stops the motor and in turn reverses the circuit for the motor to prepare it for retrograde rotation. In addition, the electromagnet closes an additional switch |81 which establishes a holding circuit for the electromagnet |18 by shunting the line |88 across the lines -|8| and |82. It becomes effective when the mercury switch '||0 rotates back into the position X illustrated in Figures 8 and 12, after retrograde movement of the shaft2| has commenced.

'I'he electrical circuits' employed during closing operation of the drawer, which-had been previously opened, will now be described. When the operator closes the manually controlled switch |80, it closes the reversing circuit through the motor |4 which may be traced from the main power line |21 through the switch 89, the contact lines |53, |69, |9| to the manually controlled switch |90 lines |82, |1|, the switch |12, contact |86 line |11, including further the associated switch member in contact with the terminal |85, connected respectively to the lines |14 and |14a, to the motor I4, thence through the line |18, the closed contacts |25 of the mercury switch H8, and line |80 to the other power line |28. 'I'he operator keeps the switch |90 closed until the cam ||4 has cleared the control arm I8, referring to Figure 8, whereupon the mercury switch ||0 returns tc the position, designated by the letter X. This is the position illustrated in Figure i2. The contacts ||2 are now opened and the contacts closed. 'I'he contacts function to shunt out the switch |90 to complete the circuit through the motor.

Finally, the cam I6 actuates and tilts the mercury switches ||1, ||8 which causes the contacts |25, |26 to be opened. Opening of the contacts |25 of the mercury switch I8 breaks the electrical circuits through the motor |4, through the electromagnet |18, through the electromagnet 59A weight.

vDuring the time the mercury switches ||1 and ||8 have been tilted by the cam ||6 the following circuits for resetting the shaft 13, which controls the multiple switches, previously described, have been established. Opening of the contacts |26 of the mercury switch ||1 breaks the previousestablished circuit through the electromagnet 61, permitting the arm 68 to rotate to the dotted line position, and advances the shaft 13 another step. This further 'closes the switch |35 which now acts as a make and break switch for the circuit through the electromagnet 61, and rapidly advances the shaft 13 and associated switch members 15, 82, 84, 90, and |00 step by step until the said switches have assumed starting position illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. When the switch |00 has left the last contact |0| and engages the dead contact |02 it breaks the holding circuit for the electromagnet 81a and permits the switches 88 and 89 to retutrn to starting position illustrated in Figure 12. At the final or starting position, the switch 84 completes an electrical circuit through the lights and |2 which may be traced from the power line |21 through the line |46, the switch member |00, the first contact 0|, lines |41 and |48, the switch member 84, the contact 85, the line 200, leading to the lights and .|2, thence through the lines 20|, |44, to the other power line |28. During the final resetting operation the remaining lights v6| have not been energized and the rapid resetting operation caused by the electromagnet 61 are entirely controlled by the switch whichI in turn is actuated by the arm 69.

Referring to the amplifier A of Figure 11, the photoelectric cell is connected with the amplifying circuit by lines 203 and 204, the electrical circuit of which forms no part of the present invention and need not be described.

'Ihe use and operation of the invention may be briefly described as follows:

With reference to the circuits and parts above described, and summarizing the operation of the device, when the user puts his hand or finger in the aperture 9, he energizes the photoelectric cell 1. The initial result of this energization is a rotation of the shaft 13 which is caused by breaking the switch connection 66. The rotation of the shaft 13 causes a simultaneous movement through one step of the movable switch members 15, 82, 84, 90 and |00. The result of the first step of movement of the member 82 is to light the light 83. The user selects the drawer he wishes to open by placing his finger over that one of the lights 6| which is numbered to correspond. We have assumed that he has picked VI. He keeps his finger over VI during the time it takes for the successive steps of rotation of the shaft 13, which are necessary to bring the switch 82 into actuating or circuit closing relationship with the contact controlling the sixth light. Up to that time the light 63 and the lights 6| designated in Figure l1 by I to V have flashed on and oil. in succession and have thus energized the photo cell 1 six consecutive times. But the operator, by masking the light designated by VI, stops the action and the cell 1 remains deenergized. This causes the slow acting magnet 81a to operate and to close the multiple switch 88 and 89. This in turn breaks the connection to the switch 82 for the light 6| designated by VI, and the shaft 13, including the switch members'15, 82, 84, 90I and |00 remain at said setting, that is to say, the various switch members remain in contact with their respective contacts indicated by exponent g. The operator may now remove his finger from the open top of the sleeve 62 which contains the light 6| controlling the drawer, designated by IV. Switch leaf 89, when it moves to the right, closes the circuit for the motor |4 and a circuit for one of the electromagnets 59, in this instance the electromagnet designated by IV. Consequently rotation of the motor shaft and the parts driven thereby begins. 'I'he motor now rotating and the movable switch member 90 being left on the contact for the electromagnet 59 above referred to controlling the drawer VI, moves its armature in a counterclockwise direction, referring to the position of the parts in Figures 4 and 12, and the result4 is to withdraw the corresponding member 50 into the position in which it is shown in Figure 10. This permits the clutching member 46 to drop into the slot 45, which slot is normally masked by the member 50 unless the member 50 is drawn as above described into locking position. When the. member 46 does drop into the slot 45, it serves as a clutching member which causes thedrum 34 to rotate in unison with the shaft 2|. Its rotation unwinds the tapes 29 and 30 and positively thrusts the drawer VI out into open position.

'I'he extent of the drawer movement is controlled by any suitable means illustrated for example by the mercury limit switch generally shown as H0 in Figures 8 and 12. 'Ihe mercury switch ||0 when actuated by the cam ||4 and moved'from the position X to the position Y, as shown in Figure 8, first stops the motor I4, and then reverses the circuit for the motor to prepare it for retrograde rotation. The manual operated switch |90 serves to start the motor for closing the drawer when desired. Finally, the various parts, including the multiple switches on the shaft 13 are returned to final or starting position. The mercury switches H8, when actuated by the cam H6, accomplish this result.

During rotation of the shaft 2|, all the clutch members 46 are rotated. However, only the clutch associated with the selected drawer is guided into engagement with the slot 45 of its associated ring 42 and rotates the selected drum 34. I'he remaining clutch members 46 merely ride upon the upper edge of the rings 42.

The operator may manually open and close any drawers without utilizing the photoelectric means above referred to. It will be realized that the selecting slidable members 50 may be actuated manually if desired for certain installations, where the clutch means illustrated are incorporated, and the motor |4 may be controlled by a manually operated reversing switch.

I claim:

1. In combination, a plurality of movable members, motor means, individual actuating connections between each said movable 'member and said motor means, said actuating connections being normally in inoperative position, means for energizing said motor means, a photo-sensitive member, a plurality of light sources, one

associated with each said actuating connection,

each being adapted to direct light against said photo-sensitive member, and means for moving each said actuating connection into actuating position in response to the masking of that light source which is associated therewith.

2. In combination, a movable member, a motor and a circuit therefor, a driving connection between said motor and said movable member, said driving connection being normally yinoperative. a. photo-sensitive member, means for projecting light upon said photo-sensitive member. means for closing said motor circuit and for energizing said motor in response to excitement of said member by said light, an additional light source adapted to direct light'against said light sensitive member, and means for actuating said driving connection in response to the masking of said additional light source.

3. In combination, a plurality of movable members, a motor and a circuit therefor, individual driving connections between said motor and each said movable member, said driving connections being normally inoperative, a photosensitive member, means for projecting light upon said photo-sensitive member, means for closing said motor circuit in response to the excitement of said member by said light, a plurality of additional light sources adapted to direct light against said photo-sensitive member, one.

of said light sources being associated with each said movable member, and means for actuating selectively said driving connections in response to the masking of said additional light sources.

4. In combination, a plurality of movable members, means effective to move each said member individually, including motor means and actuating connections between said motor means and said movable members, and means for selectively controlling said actuating connections in response to the positioning of the hand of the user at a predetermined point, including a photosensitive element, a circuit therefor, a plurality of light sources, one. corresponding with each said movable member, and means for moving that movable member the light source for which is masked from the photosensitive element.

5. In combination, a plurality of movable members, means effective to move each said member individually, motor means, an actuating connection between each said movable member and said motor means, and means for selectively controlling the connection for any such movable member in response to the positioning of the hand of the user at a predetermined point, including a photo cell and a source of light, the photo cell being out of the field of illumination of the light, the hand of the operator being adapted to serve as means for reecting the light from said light source toward the photo cell.

6. In combination, a plurality of movable members, motor means for moving them, actuating connections between said motor means and said movable members effective to move them individually, said driving connections being normally inoperative, a photosensitive member, a plurality of light sources adapted to direct light against said photosensitive members, one of said light sources being associated with each said movable member, and means for actuating the driving connection for the movable member the light source associated with which is masked.

7. In combination, a motor, and a: cincuit therefor, a source of electric power in said circuit, and means for energizing said motor including a photo-sensitive member, a normally illuminated light source, means adapted normally to prevent light from reaching said photosensitive member in intensities sulcient to excite it, means effective to permit the positioning of a light reflective member in such propinquity to the light source and the photo-sensitive member as to cause light from the light source to be reflected from the light reflective member upon the photo-sensitive member, and means for clos. ing said motor circuit in response to the effect of such light on said photo-sensitive member, a plurality of movable members, individual actuating connections between each said movable member and said motor, said actuating connections being normally in inoperative position, a light source associated with each said movable member, each said light source beingagapted to direct iight against said photo-sensitivemember, and means for actuating each said actuating connection in response to the masking of the light source associated therewith.

EDWARD BRENNER. 

